Last year’s release of the Historic Collection 1950 Luminor PAM 00372 , with its ecru lume and Plexiglas crystal, had salivating Panerai aficionados running to boutiques to get on waiting lists. This year’s Radiomir California and S.L.C. Special Editions should continue to feed the addiction for vintage-inspired Panerais. The two models, known by their references, PAM 00448 and 00449, respectively, are faithful versions of two famous Panerais of the 1930s.
The California and S.L.C. models are differentiated by dial only. The former features the famous Arabic / Roman numeral dial that was originally made as a sample dial that Panerai used to show the different markers that could be had on their watches. Legend has it that a buyer from California liked the hybrid dial so much, he ordered it that way. The latter is a minimalist dial with the simplest of markings that was first created in the ‘30s to test out the radium luminescence.
Besides the dials, the 448 and 449 feature the familiar 47mm steel Radiomir case with wire lug strap attachments and, for these boutique editions, blue-edged hands and a thick Plexiglas crystal. The cases have the word, “Vintage” engraved below the 6 o’clock strap loop and the word, “California” or “SLC” engraved on the rehaut above 12 o’clock.
500 of each Radiomir Special Edition will be made and sold through Panerai boutiques only. No word yet on pricing but we suspect the Panerai faithful will line up with wallets open. Standard editions of each are also available but with sapphire crystals and white hands.
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